Halved babies, balloon art, and radical gals in the book of Kings

We're talking about Kings before No Kings Day - just in time.  When all is said and done, we end up talking about the fascinating women in the chapter more than all the kings - because really, Kings are quite predictable.  And ya never know what smart resourceful women will do.Our brilliant victorian feminists shed a light on the nuances buried in the book of Kings. It's another dramatic book in the bible. It is full of, well, kings and all their wives and lovers and concubines and conniving deeds. We are certain George RR Martin was influenced by the succession battles and wifey dramas in the book of Kings. We've got the Queen of Sheba and Jezebel to discuss. Riddles and astrology. King egos. Bad ideas. And the classic parable of king Solomon threatening to cut a baby in half. That's the kind of thing people think makes a good leader? Wha? Let's discuss.   Joins us as we venture into into some feminist history, random weirdness, and try out a new phrase we're using: "Self sacrifice is the casting couch of the bible".More info on topics covered:Matilda Jocelyn GageThe Matilda Effect https://www.lostwomenofscience.org/news-events/the-matilda-effect-how-women-are-becoming-invisible-in-scienceShe has a whole center named after her.Her book Women, Church, and State Matilda Good Witch of The North There’s an opera about Gage!  https://vpa.syr.edu/matilda-joslyn-gage/HISTORY OF THE WARFARE OF SCIENCE WITH THEOLOGY IN CHRISTENDOMBy Andrew Dickson White. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/505/505-h/505-h.htmQueen of Sheba/Queen MakedaMyths and legacy: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/legacy-of-queen-of-sheba-1.6836452We're so interested in the riddles she asked Solomon https://amichailaulavie.substack.com/p/the-riddle-of-the-queen-who-lovedCool art depicting Sheba asking Solomon some riddles: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/465954History of Balloons - Still looking for more on balloons and sorcery - will report back!**Send us Fan MailCreditsRecorded at Troubadour Studios in Lansing, MIAudio Engineer Corey DeRushiaEdited by Rie Daisies at Nighttime Girlfriend StudioMusic: ‘Shifting pt. 2 (instrumental)’  by Rie DaisiesExecutive Producer Kate ML RogersLeave us a voice mailHave some feedback? Praise? General thoughts? Know how to pronounce something? Are you a religious scholar? We'd love to hear from you. Leave a message right from your phone or computer by clicking here. Recordings may be used in future episodes.  Websitehttps://bitingalltheapples.buzzsprout.comFind us on TikTok and YouTube and BlueSky